A university administrator with a track record for running successful donor campaigns has been named the new vice president for university advancement at Fresno State.

Brady Crook, now the senior associate vice chancellor of institutional advancement with the Texas Tech University system, was appointed by Fresno State President Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval and will start work on Sept. 8.

The hiring of Crook comes three months after Fresno State announced a new “Elevate” campaign to raise more than $250 million to modernize the university’s athletic facilities, including its football stadium.

In addition, community members led by developer Richard Spencer are trying to put a sales tax measure on the March ballot that would raise $1.4 billion over 25 years for new facilities at Fresno State.

A Look at Crook’s Résumé

Crook’s experience includes more than 15 years of athletic fundraising at three institutions and more than 32 years of experience in higher education.

Under his leadership, the Texas Tech system Chancellor’s Council had the most successful fundraising year in its history. And while vice president for university advancement at Adelphi University, Crook’s team increased fundraising by 203% while implementing a policy library, a fund agreement process, and an annual planning process.

His career includes success in fundraising, new donor campaigns, large-scale individual gifts, and corporate philanthropy.

Crook Will Lead Team of More Than 40 People

At Fresno State, Crook will lead more than 40 staff members in the Division of University Advancement, which includes development, advancement services, and alumni relations.

He succeeds Paula Castadio, who retired in February after more than eight years at Fresno State. Dr. Phil Ellmore has served as interim vice president during the search for Castadio’s replacement.

“With his vast experience in strategic fundraising and community engagement, Brady will be instrumental in guiding Fresno State’s robust philanthropic efforts to new heights,” Jiménez-Sandoval said in a news release. “We look forward to his new chapter as we continue to cultivate a brighter future for our institution, the students whom we serve, and the community we so love.”